State v. Stiltner

[Cite as State v. Stiltner, 2021-Ohio-959.]

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
SCIOTO COUNTY

STATE OF OHIO, :
: Case No. 19CA3882
Plaintiff-Appellee, :
:
v. : DECISION AND JUDGMENT
: ENTRY
NATHAN STILTNER, :
: RELEASED: 03/22/2021
Defendant-Appellant. :
_____________________________________________________________
APPEARANCES:

Rachel E. Daehler, Portsmouth, Ohio, for Appellant.

Shane A. Tieman, Scioto County Prosecuting Attorney, for Appellee.
_____________________________________________________________

Wilkin, J.

{¶1} This is an appeal from a Scioto County Court of Common Pleas

judgment entry convicting Appellant, Nathan Stiltner, of aggravated murder,

murder, and felonious assault, all with firearm specifications for which he was

sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 28 years. On

appeal, Appellant asserts nine assignments of error. Based upon our review of

the parties’ arguments, applicable law, and the record, we overrule all of

Appellant’s assignments of error, except for assignment number seven regarding

his allegation that the trial court failed to inform him of post-release control.

Therefore, we affirm the trial court’s judgment of conviction, but remand this

matter to the trial court to hold a hearing for the limited purpose of notifying

Appellant of post-release control consistent with R.C. 2929.191.
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 2

BACKGROUND

{¶2} On August 4, 2018, Douglas A. Thackston (“Thackston”) was shot to

death. On August 5, 2018, police arrested Appellant, Nathan Stiltner, for the

murder of Thackston. On August 23, 2018, the state charged Appellant with

aggravated murder with a firearm specification in violation of R.C. 2903.01(A),

2903.01(F), 2929.02(A), and R.C. 2941.145(A); murder with a firearm

specification in violation R.C. 2903.11(A)(2), R.C. 2903.02(B) & (D), R.C.

2902.02(B), and R.C. 2941.145(A); felonious assault with a firearm specification

in violation of R.C. 2903.11(A)(2)(a) & (D)(1)(a), and R.C. 2941.145(A); and

having a weapon while under a disability in violation of R.C. 2923.13(A)(4) and

R.C. 2923.13(B).

{¶3} On August 28, 2018, Appellant filed his first motion for discovery. On

September 20, 2018, the state filed a motion for discovery, as well as a response

to Appellant’s motion for discovery, including a witness list that included: Jean

Conley, Chuckie Blevins, David Kazee, Fred Williams, Jerry Moss, Portsmouth

police detectives, and others. On September 24, 2018, the trial court granted

Appellant’s motion and authorized funds for Appellant to hire an investigator.

Trial was set for October 29, 2018. On October 16, 2018, the Appellant filed a

motion to continue his trial because his counsel needed more time to prepare,

which the trial court granted, and rescheduled the trial for December 17, 2018.

{¶4} On October 31, 2018, Appellant’s counsel filed a motion to withdraw,

which the trial court granted on November 5, 2018. On that same day, the trial

court appointed new counsel to represent Appellant.
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 3

{¶5} On the week of December 10, 2018, the state filed five supplemental

discovery responses, disclosing to Appellant: (1) a Bureau of Criminal

Investigation (“BCI”) DNA lab report, (2) witness, BCI employee, Logan

Schepeler, (3) witness, Bridget Stump, (4) a BCI gun report, (5) witness, BCI

employee, Heather Williams (6) witness, Steven Arthur, (7) CD/DVD interview of

Richard Scott, (8) witness, Pamela Keibler, and (9) witness, Donald Stiltner. On

December 14, 2018, Appellant filed a motion to dismiss or exclude the evidence

included in these supplemental responses, arguing that “the evidence in question

will demonstrate the detective’s involved in the case knew of the evidence in

August 2018, foreknowledge such evidence would be used would have

benefitted, and late disclosure prejudices the defendant.” He also filed a motion

to continue the trial based on the newly disclosed evidence. After a pretrial

hearing, which addressed Appellant’s motion to dismiss/exclude the state’s

supplemental discovery responses, the judge, in part, stated “I don’t know that

I’ve got any of the elements [justifying dismissal of the evidence] – first of all, I

don’t think we’ve got any willfulness [on behalf of the state in delaying

discovery].” Consequently, the judge indicated to the parties that he was “not

going to dismiss the case,” but would exclude Stevie Arthur from testifying if the

trial went forward on December 17th.

{¶6} On December 17, 2018, the state filed additional supplements to

discovery, including CD/DVD of statements of Pamela Keibler, Bridget Stamp,

and Donald Stiltner. On December 27, 2018, the trial court issued an entry
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 4

granting Appellant’s motion to continue his trial, and rescheduled the trial for

March 4, 2019.

{¶7} On February 4, 2019, the Appellant filed a motion to suppress

evidence. On February 13, 2019, Appellant filed a motion for an evaluation of his

competency, as well as a second motion to suppress additional evidence.

{¶8} On February 19, 2019, the trial court granted Appellant’s motion for a

competency exam. On February 25, 2019, the trial court issued an order

continuing the March 4th trial date pending Appellant’s competency evaluation.

{¶9} On March 28, 2019, the trial court rescheduled the trial for May 20,

2019.

{¶10} On April 2, 2019, Appellant filed a motion to continue the trial from

May 20th to May 25th, which the trial court overruled. On April 10, 2019, the trial

court held a competency hearing and found Appellant competent to stand trial.

On May 7, 2019, the trial court held a suppression hearing.

{¶11} On May 20, 2019, the first day of trial, Appellant filed a motion to

dismiss based on speedy trial violations, which was denied by the trial court on

the same day. On May 23, 2019, Appellant filed a motion for a proposed jury

instruction on self defense, which was denied on the same day. Additionally, the

state dismissed count four of the indictment, having a weapon while under a

disability.

{¶12} At trial, the state presented 16 witnesses and evidence that

generally indicated the following: Appellant threatened Thackston because of a

debt owed, including threats made through Facebook Messenger, with Appellant
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 5

stating: “Bruh if u don’t come pay me I swear to God imam find u and I will

personally shoot up ur van wit u in it and yo ass will be homeless and walkin.”

Appellant was seen the night before the murder with a metal detector to get his

“tool” and later returned showing his tool to David Kazee, which was a gun.

Appellant and Thackston argued the day of the murder, and, at the time,

Appellant had a gun in the waistband of his pants. Later that same day, Appellant

entered a nearby apartment owned by Jean Conley, which was also occupied by

Chuckie Blevins, Fred Williams, Stevie Williams, and Thackston. After Appellant

entered the apartment, he sat for several minutes not speaking to anyone, and

when asked by Blevins to leave if he had a gun, Appellant began walking toward

the front door. The allegations and testimony differed as to what occurred next.

Appellant’s counsel argued that Appellant was grabbed by four persons and

beaten, and then he shot Thackston in self-defense. Blevins testified that the

Appellant was grabbed from behind by Thackston, and then Appellant pulled his

gun and shot Thackston. But Conley testified that Blevins “did not grab

[Appellant],” and she “didn’t see [Thackston] grab [Appellant] either,” although

later in her testimony she agreed she did not see much immediately prior to the

shooting. After Appellant shot Thackston, he fled the scene.

{¶13} The jury found Appellant guilty on the remaining counts of

aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, as well as the accompanying

firearm specifications. The trial court merged the counts with the state electing to

sentence Appellant for the aggravated murder charge and the firearm

specification. The trial court imposed a prison sentence of 25 years to life for
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 6

aggravated murder, and three years for the firearm specification to be served

consecutively for an aggregate sentence of life in prison without the possibility of

parole for 28 years. It is from this conviction that Appellant appeals, asserting

nine assignments of error.

I. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT FAILED TO EXCLUDE EVIDENCE
DISCLOSED BY THE PROSECUTION DAYS BEFORE TRIAL IN VIOLATION
OF CRIMINAL RULE 16, THEREBY FORCING APPELLANT TO WAIVE HIS
SPEEDY TRIAL RIGHTS

II. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT DENIED APPELLANT’S MOTION TO
DISMISS FOR SPEEDY TRIAL VIOLATIONS

III. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT EXCUSED JUROR #12 PRIOR TO
THE COMPLETION OF TRIAL WITHOUT FIRST OFFERING REASONABLE
ACCOMMODATION OR OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK MEDICAL INTERVENTION

IV. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT DENIED APPELLANT’S MOTION
FOR ACQUITTAL AS TO COUNT ONE OF THE INDICTMENT, AGGRAVATED
MURDER, AS THE PROSECUTION DID NOT PROVE BEYOND A
REASONABLE DOUBT PRIOR CALCULATION AND DESIGN

V. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT FAILED TO APPLY THE NEW SELF-
DEFENSE LAW, WHICH WOULD HAVE REQUIRED THE PROSECUTION TO
PROVE BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT THAT THE APPELLANT DID NOT
ACT IN SELF-DEFENSE

VI. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT INSTRUCTED THE JURY ON
CONSCIOUSNESS OF GUILT, AS SUFFICENCY OF EVIDENCE WAS NOT
PRESENTED AT TRIAL TO WARRANT SUCH INSTRUCTION

VII. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT FAILED TO ADVISE APPELLANT
THAT HE WAS SUBJECT TO A PERIOD OF POST-RELEASE CONTROL,
AND, AS A RESULT, THE SENTENCE IS VOID AND APPELLANT IS
ENTITLED TO A NEW SENTENCING HEARING

VIII. APPELLANT’S CONVICTIONS FOR AGGRAVTED MURDER, MURDER,
AND FELONIOUS ASSAULT WERE AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF
THE EVIDENCE, AS APPELLANT WAS ACTING IN SELF DEFENSE AT THE
TIME OF THE SHOOTING

IX. CUMULATIVE ERRORS DURING APPELLANT’S TRIAL DEPRIVED HIM OF
A FAIR TRIAL AND REQUIRE A REVERSAL OF HIS CONVICTIONS
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 7

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR I

{¶14} In his first assignment of error, Appellant asserts that the trial court

erred when it failed to exclude evidence disclosed by the prosecution days before

trial in violation of Criminal Rule 16(L), thereby forcing Appellant to waive his

speedy trial rights.

{¶15} Appellant argued that the state supplemented its witness list adding

Bridget Stump, Richard Scott, Pamela Keibler, and Donald Stiltner the week prior

to trial. Appellant argues that the trial court abused its discretion in failing to

exclude these witnesses from testifying at trial.

{¶16} Appellant asserts that the BCI report naming Bridget Stump as

having her DNA on the murder weapon was completed on October 1, 2018.

Therefore, Appellant argues that the state’s failure to disclose Stump as a

witness until December 10, 2018 was willful. He also asserted that if he had

foreknowledge of the DNA report, he would have prepared his defense in a

different manner. Finally, Appellant alleges that had he received the report

earlier, he could have done his own testing to clarify the presence of Ms. Stump’s

DNA.

{¶17} Appellant argues that the state disclosed Richard Scott as a witness

five days prior to trial. Appellant alleges that Scott’s name is mentioned

throughout discovery, but detectives failed to interview him until early December.

Therefore, he asserts, the state acted willfully in failing to timely interview a key

witness, which could have changed Appellant’s strategy, thereby causing
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 8

prejudice to the Appellant by forcing him to waive his speedy trial rights to

properly prepare for Scott.

{¶18} Finally, Appellant argues that the disclosure of Pamela Keibler and

Donald Stiltner were the most egregious discovery violation as they were

disclosed just four days prior to trial. Appellant argues, the witnesses were

known to detectives since August 16th. He also argues that the state’s late

disclosure was willful because of its admission that it did not initially intend to call

Keibler or Stiltner as witnesses because the state believed that neither would

provide favorable testimony for the state.

{¶19} In response, the state denies that any of its supplemental disclosure

of witnesses the week prior to trial was willful. With regard to Stump, the state

alleges that it disclosed her as a witness after it received the BCI report on

December 10th that indicated her DNA was on the gun. Therefore, the state

argues it was BCI’s fault that the state’s disclosure of Stump was just a week

prior to trial. Finally, the state argues that neither party called Stump as a

witness so there was no prejudice to Appellant.

{¶20} With regard to the disclosure of witness, Richard Scott, the state

alleges that Appellant was aware that Scott had knowledge of the shooting, and

yet Appellant failed to interview Scott. The state also argues that the December

disclosure of Scott as a witness did not prejudice the Appellant.

{¶21} Finally, regarding Pamela Keibler and Donald Stiltner, who are

respectively Appellant’s sister-in-law and brother, the state asserts that their

names were on Appellant’s counsel’s “radar,” but chose to rely upon the state to
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 9

not call them as witnesses. The state also argues that the December disclosure

of Keibler and Stiltner did not prejudice Appellant.

LAW

{¶22} “Each party shall provide to opposing counsel a written witness list *

* * of any witness it intends to call in its case-in-chief, or reasonably anticipates

calling in rebuttal or surrebuttal.” Crim.R. 16(I). “Once discovery is initiated by

demand of the defendant, all parties have a continuing duty to supplement their

disclosures.” Crim.R. 16(A). Crim.R. 16(L) states:

The trial court may make orders regulating discovery not
inconsistent with this rule. If at any time during the course of the
proceedings it is brought to the attention of the court that a party
has failed to comply with this rule or with an order issued
pursuant to this rule, the court may order such party to permit the
discovery or inspection, grant a continuance, or prohibit the party
from introducing in evidence the material not disclosed, or it may
make such other order as it deems just under the circumstances.

“However, prior to imposing one of the allowed orders provided in Crim.R. 16(L),

the trial court must inquire into the circumstances surrounding the violation and

should impose the least severe sanction.” State v. Lawhorn, 4th Dist. Ross No.

11CA3223, 2012-Ohio-253, ¶ 9 citing City of Lakewood v. Papadelis, 32 Ohio

St.3d 1, 5, 511 N.E.2d 1138, at paragraph two of the syllabus. “The overall

objective of the criminal rules of procedure is to remove the element of

gamesmanship from such proceedings.” State v. Fouts, 4th Dist. Washington

No. 15CA25, 2016-Ohio-1104, ¶ 46, citing State v. Darmond, 135 Ohio St.3d

343, 2013-Ohio-966, 986 N.E.2d 971, ¶ 19.

{¶23} “Trial courts possess broad discretion to impose sanctions for

discovery violations, and those rulings should not be reversed on appeal absent
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 10

an abuse of that discretion.” Fouts, at ¶ 44. “A trial court abuses its discretion

when it makes a decision that is unreasonable, unconscionable, or arbitrary.”

Darmond, at ¶ 34. More specifically,

where a prosecutor violates Crim.R. 16 by failing to provide the
name of a witness, a trial court does not abuse its discretion in
allowing the witness to testify where the record fails to disclose
(1) a willful violation of the rule, (2) that foreknowledge would
have benefited the accused in the preparation of his or her
defense, or (3) that the accused was unfairly prejudiced.

State v. Dillard, 4th Dist. Meigs No. 13CA9, 2014-Ohio-4974, ¶ 15, citing
State v. Scudder, 71 Ohio St.3d 263, 269, 643 N.E.2d 524 (1994); State
v. Wharton, 4th Dist. Ross No. 09A3132, 2010-Ohio-4775, ¶ 24.

ANALYSIS

{¶24} Initially, we note that the state did not fail to disclose any witnesses

to Appellant. Rather, the state disclosed to Appellant all witnesses at issue

pursuant to its obligation to supplement its discovery responses under Crim.R.

16(A), albeit within a week or less before trial. Further, while Appellant moved

the trial court to exclude these witnesses from testifying, he also filed a motion to

continue the trial, which, ultimately, the trial court granted.

Bridget Stump

{¶25} Even if the BCI’s report identifying Ms. Stump’s DNA on the gun

was completed in October of 2018, Appellant’s counsel admitted that it was not

provided to the state until December 10, 2018, the date that the state informed

Appellant of the test results and named Stump as a witness. Therefore, the

state’s December 10th disclosure of Stump as a witness was not a willful act by

the state. Furthermore, Stump was never called as a witness by either party.
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 11

Apparently, the Appellant decided not to conduct his own DNA test or the results

failed to assist his defense. Consequently, there was no prejudice to Appellant.

Richard Scott

{¶26} Appellant alleges in his brief that “Scott was interviewed by

detectives for the first time once investigators realized their case had multiple

holes * * * regarding recovery of the firearm and the presence of Ms. Stump’s

DNA on the gun.” Accepting Appellant’s argument as true, then the state

recognized the need for Scott to testify only after it received the DNA report from

the BCI on December 10, 2018. Under these circumstances, the state’s late

disclosure of Scott as a witness was not willful, but part of its evolving strategy.

{¶27} At pretrial, Appellant appears to have admitted that he was aware

that Scott had given a statement to the police to the effect that Scott saw

Appellant with a gun at the time he was arguing with Thackston the day of the

murder, and had recovered the murder weapon and gave it to Blevins, who gave

it to the police. Further, in September 2018, the state, through discovery,

provided Appellant the CD/DVD disks of the police interview of Blevins.

Consequently, Appellant would have also been aware of Scott’s involvement in

the case to the extent that Blevins discussed Scott’s involvement with the murder

weapon. Therefore, Appellant had some foreknowledge of Scott’s possible

testimony and the resources to conduct his own investigation of Scott, but

apparently failed to do so.
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 12

Pam Keibler and Donald Stiltner

{¶28} Contrary to Appellant’s interpretation, we do not find the state’s

reason for not naming Keibler and Stiltner as witnesses earlier was because of

its “intel” indicating that Keibler and Stiltner “were firmly in the [Appellant’s]

corner,” making the state’s failure to disclose them as witnesses earlier, a willful

violation of the rule. Rather it is a rational reason why the state initially decided

not to call either witness, which the judge apparently agreed. Further, both

witnesses are family and, similar to Scott, Appellant admits having knowledge of

their statements, and had the ability to further investigate their statements, but

declined to do so.

{¶29} Contrary to Appellant’s assertion in his reply brief, we are not

suggesting that Appellant had “responsibility to interview key witnesses in an

effort to secure his own conviction.” The state always has the burden of proving

a criminal offense. Rather, we are merely recognizing that Appellant was aware

that these persons might have information, and in fact was aware that at least

one witness did have some knowledge pertinent to the murder, and he had the

means to investigate those persons, but did not.

{¶30} Based on our review, we find that the trial court’s decision to

continue the trial, rather than exclude the supplemented discovery from the state,

was not unreasonable, unconscionable, or arbitrary because (1) the state did not

willfully delay naming or disclosing witnesses Bridget Stump, Richard Scott,

Pamela Keibler, or Donald Stiltner; and (2) even before the state’s disclosure,

Appellant had some knowledge of what Scott knew regarding the murder and
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 13

Appellant had Keibler and Stiltner on his “radar” and despite having the means to

independently investigate these individuals, chose not to. Therefore, because

the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying Appellant’s motion to

exclude the witnesses, but instead granted Appellant’s motion to continue the

December 17, 2018 trial date, we overrule Appellant’s first assignment of error.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR II

{¶31} In his second assignment of error Appellant asserts that the trial

court erred when it denied his application to dismiss for speedy trial violations.

The critical issue here is whether Appellant’s motions to exclude evidence and to

continue the December 17, 2018 trial date, both filed December 14, 2018, were

tolling events, or whether that time period should be counted toward the 270-day

limit. If the motions were a tolling event, then the Appellant’s speedy trial rights

were not violated because his trial was held on May 20, 2019 within 270 days

after his arrest. Otherwise, his speedy trial rights would have been violated.

LAW

The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution
(which is made applicable to the states through the Due Process
Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment) and Article I, Section 10
of the Ohio Constitution guarantee a criminal defendant the right
to a speedy trial; this guarantee is implemented by R.C. 2945.71,
which provides specific statutory time limits within which a
person must be brought to trial.

State v. Smith, 4th Dist. Lawrence No. 16CA10, 2017-Ohio-7864, ¶ 20,
citing State v. Blackburn, 118 Ohio St.3d 163, 2008-Ohio-1823, 887
N.E.2d 319, ¶ 10.

{¶32} R.C. 2945.71(C)(2) states that an accused, who is charged with a

felony, shall be brought to trial within 270 days after arrest, but each day the
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 14

accused is in jail in lieu of bail solely on the pending charge, each day counts as

three days for purposes of the speedy-trial calculation. R.C. 2945.71(E).

“[S]peedy trial time may be tolled by ‘[t]he period of any continuance granted on

the accused's own motion, and the period of any reasonable continuance granted

other than upon the accused's own motion.’ ” State v. Shelby, 4th Dist. Lawrence

No. 15CA20, 2016-Ohio-5721, ¶ 26, quoting R.C. 2945.72(H). We have

recognized that if a trial court grants a continuance due to the state’s failure to

timely provide discovery, for purposes of a speedy trial calculation, the

continuance will be charged against the state, if the state’s delay was “willful and

prejudicial to the defense.” (Emphasis added.) State v. Wamsley, 71 Ohio

App.3d 607, 611, 594 N.E.2d 1123 (4th Dist. 1991), see also State v. Arrington,

6th Dist. Erie No. 16-050, 2017-Ohio-2578, ¶ 3 (citing Wamsley); State v. Benge,

12th Dist. Butler Case No. CA99-05-095, 2000 WL 485524 (Apr. 24, 2000).

ANALYSIS

{¶33} In addressing Appellant’s first assignment of error, we concluded

that the state did not willfully delay disclosure of the witnesses, nor did the delay

prejudice Appellant. Therefore, we find that the Appellant’s continuance filed on

December 13, 2018 and granted by the trial court, continuing the trial until March

4, 2019, was a tolling event consistent with R.C. 2945.72(H) and our holding in

Wamsley.

{¶34} With that in mind, we review the record to determine if Appellant’s

speedy trial rights were violated.
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 15

 Appellant was incarcerated beginning August 6, 2018 through August 27,

2018 (22 days x 3= 66 days count toward the 270-day limit)

 August 28, 2018 through September 24, 2018 speedy trial time was tolled

due to Defendant’s Motions for Discovery and for Funds to Hire an

Investigator

 September 25, 2018 through October 28, 2108 Appellant was

incarcerated (34 days x 3= 102 days count toward the 270-day limit)

 October 29, 2018 through April 19, 2019 time tolled due to Appellant’s

Motion to Continue

 April 20, 2019 to May 20, 2019 Appellant was incarcerated (31 x 3 = 93

days count toward 270-day limit)

{¶35} Consequently, from his initial incarceration on August 6, 2018 until

his trial on May 20, 2019, for purposes of a speedy-trial calculation, Appellant

was incarcerated for 261 days (66+102+93), so his speedy trial rights were not

violated. Therefore, we overrule Appellant’s second assignment of error.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR III

{¶36} In his third assignment of error, Appellant alleges that the trial court

erred when it excused juror #12 prior to the completion of trial without first

offering reasonable accommodation, or an opportunity to seek medical

intervention. Appellant alleges that on the last day of trial, juror #12 appeared

with a bandage on his arm that was seeping blood. Appellant’s counsel

requested a recess to allow the juror to obtain medical assistance. Appellant

alleges that the juror indicated that he would prefer to remain on the jury.
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 16

However, the trial court denied the motion to recess, and instead excused the

juror and appointed an alternate juror to the vacant spot.

{¶37} In response, the state argues that juror #12 told the trial court that

his wound had been bleeding for eight hours. The state notes that there were

two alternate jurors and argues that the trial court’s decision to dismiss juror #12

and replace him with an alternate was not an abuse of discretion.

LAW

{¶38} “In case of sickness of any juror before the conclusion of the trial,

the court may order that such juror receive medical attendance and shall order

the payment of a reasonable charge for such medical attendance out of the

judiciary fund.” R.C. 2945.30. However, R.C. 2945.29 provides:

If, before the conclusion of the trial, a juror becomes sick, or for
other reason is unable to perform his duty, the court may order
him to be discharged. In that case, if alternate jurors have been
selected, one of them shall be designated to take the place of
the juror so discharged.

“Thus, it is within a trial court's discretion to remove a juror unable to perform his

or her duties * * *.” State v. McCrary, 4th Dist. Ross No. 16CA3568, 2017-Ohio-

8701, ¶ 21. An abuse of discretion implies that the trial court acted

unreasonably, unconscionably, or arbitrarily. Bentley v. Harper, 4th Dist. Scioto

No. 18CA3858, 2019-Ohio-5420, ¶ 7, citing Lauer v. Positron Energy Resources,

Inc., 4th Dist. Washington No. 13CA39, 2014-Ohio-4850, ¶ 9.

ANALYSIS

{¶39} The trial court stated on the record that he sent juror #12 to the

health department to get his wound examined, and health officials advised him
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 17

that if the wound started bleeding though the bandage he needed to go to the

hospital. After the examination, the trial court asked juror #12 his thoughts and

he responded: “I mean I would prefer to stay I would like to see it through. Uh,

with that said I think that is the right medical advice because it’s not going to stop

[bleeding].” After juror #12 further informed the trial court that his wound had

been bleeding for eight hours and the trial court had a discussion with the parties’

attorneys, he excused juror #12 and replaced him with one of the alternate jurors.

Under these facts, we do not find that the trial court’s decision to dismiss juror

#12 and replace him with an alternate juror was unreasonable, unconscionable,

or arbitrary. Therefore, because the trial court did not abuse his discretion, we

overrule Appellant’s third assignment of error.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR IV

{¶40} In his fourth assignment of error, Appellant asserts that the trial

court erred when it denied his motion for acquittal as to count one of the

indictment, aggravated murder, because the prosecution did not prove prior

calculation and design beyond a reasonable doubt. Appellant admits that he and

Thackston knew each other and their “relationship was arguably strained,” but

alleges that there was testimony that a week prior to Thackston’s death,

Thackston provided drugs to Appellant, causing one to believe that “any prior

disagreement between the decedent and Appellant was done and over with.”

Appellant also claims he did not give thought or preparation to a weapon or the

site of the killing. He claimed that he possessed a firearm because he was

extremely paranoid people were out to get him and not for the purpose of killing
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 18

Thackston. Finally, Appellant alleges that it was an “instantaneous eruption of

events” that resulted in him shooting Thackston.

{¶41} In response, the state argues that considering the totality of the

evidence in a light favorable to the state, there was sufficient evidence of prior

calculation and design. For instance, Appellant and Thackston knew each other

and their relationship was strained over a debt, which they argued about the day

of the shooting. Appellant had threatened to shoot Thackston over Facebook

Messenger regarding the debt. Witnesses testified that they saw Appellant using

a metal detector to find a gun the night before the shooting. One witness testified

that the night before the shooting Appellant went to get his “tool” and later

showed his gun to that witness. The state argues that the evidence showed that

later Appellant had a gun and was arguing with Thackston, but did not shoot him

at that time. Yet later the Appellant went back with the same gun, grabbed

Thackston and shot him at point-blank range. The state argues that it did prove

prior calculation and design beyond a reasonable doubt.

LAW

{¶42} In reviewing a record for sufficiency of the evidence, “[t]he relevant

inquiry is whether, after viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the

prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of

the crime proven beyond a reasonable doubt.” State v. Ford, 158 Ohio St. 3d

139, 140 N.E.3d 616, ¶ 317, citing State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574 N.E.2d

492 (1991), paragraph two of the syllabus, following Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S.

307, 99 S.Ct. 2781, 61 L.Ed.2d 560 (1979).
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 19

{¶43} The aggravated murder statute, R.C. 2903.01, states: “No person

shall purposely, and with prior calculation and design, cause the death of another

* * *.” The phrase “prior calculation and design” by its own terms suggests

advance reasoning to formulate the purpose to kill. State v. Walker, 150 Ohio St.

3d 409, 414, 2016-Ohio-8295, 82 N.E.3d 1124, ¶ 20. Therefore, a killing

committed “on the spur of the moment or after momentary consideration is not

evidence of a premeditated decision or a studied consideration of the method

and the means to cause a death.” Id. Courts “traditionally” consider three factors

in determining whether a defendant acted with prior calculation and design: “(1)

Did the accused and victim know each other, and if so, was that relationship

strained? (2) Did the accused give thought or preparation to choosing the murder

weapon or murder site? and (3) Was the act drawn out or ‘an almost

instantaneous eruption of events?’ ” Ford, at ¶ 139, quoting State v. Taylor, 78

Ohio St.3d 15, 19, 676 N.E.2d 82 (1997), quoting State v. Jenkins, 48 Ohio

App.2d 99, 102, 355 N.E.2d 825 (8th Dist.1976). However, “[t]here is no bright-

line test to distinguish between the presence or absence of prior calculation and

design; each case depends upon its own facts.” Id., citing Walker, at ¶ 19.

ANALYSIS

{¶44} It is undisputed that Appellant and Thackston knew each other, and

Thackston owed Appellant money. There is also evidence that their relationship

was strained because of said debt, including threats by Appellant through

Facebook Messenger that Appellant would shoot Thackston. There was

testimony that Appellant used a metal detector to possibly locate a firearm the
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 20

night before the shooting. The day of the shooting, Appellant, who was

apparently armed at the time, and Thackston argued about the debt, and

Thackston struck Appellant. Later that day, Appellant entered Jean Conley’s

apartment and after several minutes without saying anything, he was purportedly

asked to leave if he possessed a gun. While it is not undisputed, there is

testimony that established that Appellant was headed toward the front door, but,

before he exited, he turned and shot Thackston at point-blank range killing him.

{¶45} After viewing the entire record, in a light most favorable to the

prosecution, we find that any rational juror could have found beyond a

reasonable doubt that Appellant acted with prior calculation and design when he

shot and killed Thackston. Therefore, we overrule Appellant’s fourth Assignment

of error.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR V

{¶46} In his fifth assignment of error, Appellant asserts that the trial court

erred when it failed to apply the law of self-defense in R.C. 2901.05, as amended

by Sub.H.B. 228, which was effective March 28, 2019. Appellant points out that

the amended version of R.C. 2901.05 shifted the burden of proving self-defense

in a criminal case from the defendant to the state, and changed the quantum of

proof from a preponderance of the evidence requiring the state to prove that

defendant did not act in self-defense, beyond-a-reasonable doubt. Appellant

argues that

the [amended version of R.C. 2901.05(B)(1)] clearly states that it is
to be applied at the time of trial: “[i]f, at the trial of a person who is
accused of an offense that involved the person’s use of force
against another, there is evidence presented that tends to support
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 21

that the accused person used the force in self-defense…the
prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the
accused person did not use the force in self-defense[.]” (Emphasis
in original)

Although he fails to provide any citations, the Appellant also argues that

“numerous courts have already determined that the burden shift applies to crimes

committed before March of 2019 so long as those cases were tried after the

effective date.” Therefore, he argues that the trial court erred in relying on the

former version of R.C. 2901.05 when instructing the jury on self-defense in his

case. Consequently, he argues his murder conviction should be reversed.

{¶47} The state argues that the First, Second, Third, Fifth, Tenth and

Twelfth District Courts of Appeals have determined that the amended version of

R.C. 2901.05 “is not retroactive to cases that occurred prior to the effective date,”

citing State v. Koch, 2nd Dist. Montgomery No. 2800, 2019-Ohio-4099, ¶ 103,

State v. Crowe, 3rd Dist. Allen No. 1-19-12, 2019-Ohio-3986, ¶ 15, State v.

Redding, 3rd Dist. Union No. 14-19-01, 209-Ohio-5302, ¶ 13, fn 1 (relied on Koch

and Crowe), State v. Debord, 12th Dist. Clinton No. CA2019-03-003, 2020-Ohio-

57, ¶ 13-14, State v. Moore, 5th Dist. Muskingum No. CT2019-0030, 2020-Ohio-

342, ¶ 9-11, and State v. Ward, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 19AP-266, 2020-Ohio-

465, ¶ 15.LAW

{¶48} “ ‘A trial court is obligated to provide jury instructions that correctly

and completely state the law. The jury instructions must also be warranted by the

evidence presented in a case. The question of whether a jury instruction is

legally correct and factually warranted is subject to de novo review.’ ” State v.

Moore, 4th Dist. Lawrence No. 19CA13 2020-Ohio-4321, ¶ 16 (Citations
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 22

omitted.), quoting Cromer v. Children's Hosp. Med. Ctr. of Akron, 142 Ohio St.3d

257, 2015-Ohio-229, 29 N.E.3d 921, ¶ 22.

{¶49} In this case, we must determine whether the original version of R.C.

2901.05, in existence at the beginning of Appellant’s case, or the amended

version, effective while Appellant’s case was pending, applies. “[T]he general

rule is that ‘[a] statute is presumed to be prospective in its operation unless

expressly made retrospective.’ ” State v. Simmons, 4th Dist. Washington No.

17CA16, 2018-Ohio-2018, 112 N.E.3d 327,¶ 23,quoting R.C. 1.48. Moreover,

although not cited by either party, pivotal to our analysis in this case is R.C. 1.58,

which states:

(A) The reenactment, amendment, or repeal of a statute does
not, except as provided in division (B) of this section:

(1) Affect the prior operation of the statute or any prior action
taken thereunder;

(2) Affect any validation, cure, right, privilege, obligation, or
liability previously acquired, accrued, accorded, or incurred
thereunder;

(3) Affect any violation thereof or penalty, forfeiture, or
punishment incurred in respect thereto, prior to the
amendment or repeal;

(4) Affect any investigation, proceeding, or remedy in respect of
any such privilege, obligation, liability, penalty, forfeiture, or
punishment; and the investigation, proceeding, or remedy
may be instituted, continued, or enforced, and the penalty,
forfeiture, or punishment imposed, as if the statute had not
been repealed or amended.

(B) If the penalty, forfeiture, or punishment for any offense is
reduced by a reenactment or amendment of a statute, the
penalty, forfeiture, or punishment, if not already imposed,
shall be imposed according to the statute as amended.
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 23

“ ‘R.C. 1.58(B) identifies which law to apply when a statute is amended

after the commission of a crime but before sentence is imposed[.]’ ” Simmons,

quoting State v. Kaplowitz, 100 Ohio St.3d 205, 2003-Ohio-5602, 797 N.E.2d

977, ¶ 8.

R. C. 1.58 sets forth specific rules that apply when the General
Assembly reenacts, amends, or repeals statutes. Generally, “the
substantive provisions of the former law apply to all pending
prosecutions, but the defendants receive the benefit of a reduced
‘penalty, forfeiture, or punishment’ in the statute as amended,
unless the General Assembly expresses another intent.”

Id., quoting State v. Solomon, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-120044, 2012-
Ohio-5755, 983 N.E.2d 872, ¶ 16, citing R.C. 1.58.

ANALYSIS

{¶50} In pertinent part, Am.Sub. H.B. 228 added the following language to

R.C. 2901.05:

(B)(1) A person is allowed to act in self-defense, defense of
another, or defense of that person's residence. If, at the trial of a
person who is accused of an offense that involved the person's
use of force against another, there is evidence presented that
tends to support that the accused person used the force in self-
defense, defense of another, or defense of that person's
residence, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable
doubt that the accused person did not use the force in self-
defense, defense of another, or defense of that person's
residence, as the case may be.

{¶51} There are several Ohio appellate districts that have held that this

amendment to R.C. 2901.05, which became effective after the defendants’ trials,

did not apply retroactively to their convictions. See e.g. State v. Fisher, 8th Dist.

Cuyahoga No. 108494, 2020-Ohio-670, State v. Wallace-Lee, 2nd Dist. Greene

No. 2019-CA-19, 2020-Ohio-3681, State v. Whitman, 5th Dist. Stark No.

2019CA94, 2019-Ohio-4140. We can find only two Ohio appellate districts that
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 24

have addressed the particular issue of whether R.C. 2901.05 as amended by

Am.H.B. 228, which became effective while their cases were pending in the trial

court, applied to their cases.

{¶52} The first is State v. Gloff, 12th Dist. Clermont 2020-Ohio-3143, 155

N.E.3d. 42, in which the court held that the amended version of R.C. 2901.05,

which became effective approximately two weeks before his trial, applied to his

trial based on the following analysis:

Gloff argues that the retroactivity analysis is unnecessary
because the language of the amended statute refers to
application ‘at the trial of a person.’ Thus, Gloff argues that the
H.B. 228 amendment focuses on when the trial is held, as
opposed to when the offense was committed. As previously
noted, the trial began two days before the effective date of the
amendment and concluded one day after the effective date of
the amendment.

Following review, [the Twelfth District Court of Appeals]
agree[d] with Gloff's position. The H.B. 228 amendment applies
prospectively to trials. The pertinent amendment does not
concern the conduct giving rise to the offense but relates to the
applicable burden of proof for the affirmative defense of self-
defense. Under the new amendment, if self-defense evidence is
presented at trial, the prosecution must then prove, beyond a
reasonable doubt, that the defendant did not use the force in
self-defense.

{¶53} In contrast, the Tenth District Court of Appeals has held that the

amended version of R.C. 2901.05 does not apply retroactively to a criminal case

that is pending in the trial court because the general assembly did not expressly

make the amended version of R.C. 2901.05 retroactive to the Appellant’s

pending case. State v. Zafar, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 19AP-255, 2020-Ohio-

3341, ¶ 30-33.
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 25

{¶54} The difference between an amended statute that becomes effective

after a defendant’s conviction, and an amended statute that becomes effective

while a defendant’s case is pending in the trial court, is a distinction that matters

in determining the applicability of the amended statute to the defendant’s

conviction/case. The applicability of a statute or amendment that is effective

after a conviction necessarily involves the two-part retroactivity test. See Pratte

v. Stewart, 125 Ohio St. 3d 473, 2010-Ohio-1860, 929 N.E.2d 415, ¶ 30, 36-37

(A court must first ask the threshold question of whether the General Assembly

expressly intended the statute to apply retroactively. If not, then the statute

applies prospectively only. But, if the answer is yes, then the statute may be

applied retroactively consistent with the Constitution, only if the statute is

remedial in nature). However, if a statute is amended and becomes effective

while the defendant’s case is pending in the trial court, then its applicability to the

defendant’s case is guided by R.C. 1.58. Kaplowitz, 100 Ohio St.3d 205, 2003-

Ohio-5602, 797 N.E.2d 977, ¶ 8.

{¶55} R.C. 2901.05 does not set out a penalty, punishment or forfeiture,

but instead defines the substantive law of self-defense. Therefore, absent an

express indication that the General Assembly intended otherwise, R.C. 1.58(B),

instructs a trial court to apply former R.C. 2901.05 to a pending criminal case

because under R.C. 1.58 substantive provisions of the former law apply to all

pending prosecutions.

{¶56} Appellant argues that the “at trial” language in amended R.C.

2901.05, indicates that the General Assembly expressly intended the amended
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 26

version of R.C. 2901.05 apply to pending cases, i.e. it should have been applied

in Appellant’s case. We disagree. When the phrase “at trial” is read in context

with the remainder of the sentence in the statute, we find that the language

communicates no express indication that the amended version of the statute

applies to pending cases. Rather, it appears to indicate, from a timing

perspective at trial when the state is obligated to submit evidence in an attempt

to prove that the defendant did not act in self-defense. In other words, we

interpret the “at trial” language as indicating that it is only after defendant

presents evidence “at trial” that “tends to support” that he or she “used the force

in self-defense,” does the state need to submit its evidence contra.

{¶57} Therefore, because R.C. 1.58 instructs us that the pre-HB 228

version of R.C. 2901.05 applied at Appellant’s trial, and the General Assembly

has not expressly indicated otherwise, the trial court did not error when it

instructed the jury regarding Appellant’s claim of self-defense. Accordingly,

because the trial court did error, we overrule appellant’s fifth assignment of error.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR VI

{¶58} In his sixth assignment of error, Appellant asserts that the trial court

erred when it instructed the jury on consciousness of guilt, as sufficient evidence

was not presented at trial to warrant such an instruction. Appellant alleges that

“very little of [his] actions after the shooting would indicate he was trying to resist

arrest or conceal himself in any manner.” In fact, Appellant alleges that the

arresting officer testified that Appellant was apprehended in the middle of the

road in broad daylight.
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 27

{¶59} In response, the state argues that Appellant ran from the scene after

the shooting, changed his clothes, and hid. Consequently, the state argues that

the consciousness of guilt instruction was warranted.

LAW

{¶60} “[J]ury instructions ‘must be based upon the actual issues in the

case as presented by the evidence.’ ” State v. Dyer, 4th Dist. Scioto No.

07CA3163, 2008-Ohio-2711, ¶ 11, quoting State v. Tompkins, 2nd Dist. Clark

No. 95-CA-0099, 1996 WL 612855 (Oct. 25, 1996) *3. However, “ ‘[i]t is within

the sound discretion of the trial court to determine whether the evidence

presented at trial is sufficient to require a particular jury instruction.’ ” State v.

Lewis, 4th Dist. Ross No. 14CA3465, 2016-Ohio-1592, 49 N.E.3d 371, ¶ 18,

quoting State v. Ward, 168 Ohio App.3d 701, 2006-Ohio-4847, 861 N.E.2d 823,

¶ 20 (4th Dist.). An abuse of discretion implies that the court's attitude is

arbitrary, unreasonable, or unconscionable. State v. Moman, 4th Dist. Adams

No. 16CA1022, 2017-Ohio-453, ¶ 13, citing Sivit v. Village Green of Beachwood,

L.P., 143 Ohio St.3d 168, 2015-Ohio-1193, 35 N.E.3d 508, ¶ 9. The Tenth

District Court of Appeals held that “[a]n inference could be drawn from” a

defendant leaving the scene of a shooting and going to two different residences

before turning himself into the authorities that he “fled the scene and continued

to flee because of a consciousness of guilt.” State v. Shine-Johnson, 10th Dist.

Franklin No. 17AP-194, 2018-Ohio-3347, 117 N.E.3d 986, ¶ 48.
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 28

ANALYSIS

{¶61} In the instant case, Appellant ran from the scene of the shooting to

his apartment, changed clothes, and subsequently disappeared into the woods.

The mere fact that he was later arrested while walking on the side of the road

does not alter his prior actions. Under these facts, we find that the trial court did

not abuse its discretion in instructing the jury on Appellant’s consciousness of

guilt. Therefore, we overrule Appellant’s sixth assignment of error.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR VII

{¶62} In his seventh assignment of error, Appellant asserts that the trial

court erred when it failed to advise him that he was subject to a period of post-

release control, and, as a result, his sentence is void and he is entitled to a new

sentencing hearing. Appellant argues that the express language of R.C.

2967.28(B)(1) requires post-release control and failure to include it in the

sentence renders the sentence void under State v. Simpkins, 117 Ohio St.3d

420, 2008-Ohio-1197, ¶ 22.

{¶63} The state does not appear to dispute that the trial court failed to

advise Appellant of post-release control. Instead, the state cites State v. Wilson,

4th Dist. Lawrence No. 16CA12, 2018-Ohio-2700 in support of finding that error

was not prejudicial to Appellant.

{¶64} In Wilson, the trial court failed to properly inform the Appellant of

post-release control. However, in Wilson the court of appeals found that the trial

court’s failure was moot because the Appellant was serving a life sentence

without parole. As Appellant points out in his reply brief, his sentence is
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 29

distinguishable from the defendant in Wilson because he is serving a life

sentence with the possibility of parole after his 28 years. We agree with the

Appellant, Wilson does not persuade us to find that the trial court’s failure to

properly impose post-release control is moot.

{¶65} In State v. Pierce, 4th Dist. Pickaway No. 18CA4, 2018-Ohio-4458,

¶ 19, this court recently held that a “[f]ailure to address and impose post-

release control during the sentencing hearing constitutes a notification error” that

requires the appellate court to “set aside” “that portion” of the sentence,” and to

remand the matter “to the trial court for a resentencing hearing in accordance

with R.C. 2929.191.” Therefore, we sustain Appellant’s seventh assignment of

error.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR VIII

{¶66} In his eighth assignment of error, Appellant asserts that his

convictions for aggravated murder, murder, and felonious assault were against

the manifest weight of the evidence, as Appellant was acting in self-defense.

Appellant argues that the “uncontroverted” testimony showed that Appellant

attempted to leave the apartment when he was rushed from behind by

Thackston. Appellant alleges that he was beaten by multiple people and an

arresting officer confirmed that Appellant had injuries to his face at the time he

was arrested. Appellant also alleges that the physical evidence indicated self-

defense as well, including: shell casing near the door (evidence Appellant was

attempting to leave), broken eyeglass lens found (supporting Appellant’s injury to

his face), and the gunshot was a contact wound and projectile travelled
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 30

downward through Thackston’s body (consistent with testimony that Appellant

turned and shot Thackston). Therefore, Appellant argues the evidence

established he acted in self-defense because he was in fear for his life when he

was bear hugged from behind by Thackston. Accordingly, Appellant argues that

his convictions are against the manifest weight of the evidence.

{¶67} The state argues that the evidence established that Appellant had

made numerous threats that he would shoot Thackston, Appellant acquired his

“tool” (gun) the night before the shooting, and Appellant, in fact, shot and killed

Thackston the next day in Blevins’ apartment. The state argues that the

evidence indicated that the Appellant had a “slightly blackened eye,” but it does

not support Appellant’s assertion that he had been beaten by several people

because he had no other marks or difficulty moving, breathing, talking, etc.

Therefore, the state argues that Appellant’s conviction is not against the manifest

weight of the evidence.

LAW

In determining whether a criminal conviction is against the
manifest weight of the evidence, an appellate court must review
the entire record, weigh the evidence and all reasonable
inferences, consider the credibility of witnesses and determine
whether, in resolving conflicts in the evidence, the trier of fact
clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of
justice that the conviction must be reversed.”

State v. Lechner, 4th Dist. Highland No. 19CA32019-Ohio-4071, ¶ 41-42.

However, “generally the weight and credibility of evidence are determined by the

jury.” State v. Reyes-Rosales, 4th Dist. Adams No. 15CA1010, 2016-Ohio-3338,

¶ 17, citing State v. Kirkland, 140 Ohio St.3d 73, 15 N.E.3d 818, 2014-Ohio-
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 31

1966, 15, at ¶ 132. “A jury, sitting as the trier of fact, is free to believe all, part or

none of the testimony of any witness who appears before it.” State v. West, 4th

Dist. Scioto No. 12CA3507, 2014-Ohio-1941, ¶ 23 citing State v. Colquitt, 188

Ohio App.3d 509, 2010-Ohio-2210, 936 N.E.2d 76, ¶ 10, fn. 1 (2nd Dist.); State

v. Nichols, 85 Ohio App.3d 65, 76, 619 N.E.2d 80 (4th Dist.1993); State v.

Caldwell, 79 Ohio App.3d 667, 679, 607 N.E.2d 1096 (4th Dist.1992).

Consequently, “[w]e defer to the trier of fact on these evidentiary weight and

credibility issues because it is in the best position to gauge the witnesses’

demeanor, gestures, and voice inflections, and to use these observations to

weigh their credibility.” State v. Smith, 4th Dist. Gallia No. 17CA5, 2017-Ohio-

8657, ¶ 6 citing State v. Smith, 4th Dist. Lawrence No. 16CA10, 2017–Ohio–

7864, ¶ 40.

{¶68} Having resolved Appellant’s fifth assignment of error by holding that

the former version of R.C. 2901.05 applied to Appellant’s case, we review this

assignment of error under former R.C. 2901.05, which provides that the

defendant bears the burden of proving self-defense by a preponderance of the

evidence, that “ ‘ “(1) the defendant was not at fault in creating the violent

situation, (2) the defendant had a bona fide belief that she was in imminent

danger of death or great bodily harm and that her only means of escape was the

use of force, and (3) that the defendant did not violate any duty to retreat or avoid

the danger.” ’ ” State v. Bundy, 4th Dist. Pike No. 11CA818, 2012-Ohio-3934, ¶

37, 974 N.E.2d 139, quoting State v. Goff, 128 Ohio St.3d 169, 2010-Ohio-6317,

942 N.E.2d 1075, ¶ 36, quoting State v. Thomas, 77 Ohio St.3d 323, 326, 673
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 32

N.E.2d 1339 (1997). “The ‘elements of self-defense are cumulative. * * * [Thus, if

the defendant fails to prove any one of these elements by a preponderance of

the evidence he has failed to demonstrate that he acted in self-defense.’ ” Id.,

quoting State v. Jackson, 22 Ohio St.3d 281, 284, 490 N.E.2d 893 (1986)

(emphasis sic). Accord State v. Cassano, 96 Ohio St.3d 94, 2002-Ohio-3751,

772 N.E.2d 81, ¶ 73; State v. Hargrave, 4th Dist. No. 11CA907, 2012-Ohio-798,

2012 WL 642680, ¶ 16.

ANALYSIS

{¶69} In his brief, and at closing argument, Appellant’s attorney argued

that Appellant was about to exit Conley’s apartment when “[t]he onslaught

began,” relating to the jury how Appellant told Detective Brewer that four or five

people jumped him and beat him up to the extent that his glasses were broken

and he got a black eye. He further argued that there is “uncontroverted

testimony” that Thackston “came out from that room where he was hiding” and

pulled Appellant “back into the apartment” and Appellant shot Thackston in self-

defense.

{¶70} Aside from Appellant’s statements to the police, there is no

testimony or evidence that suggests that Appellant was attacked by multiple

assailants. Blevins did testify that Thackston grabbed Appellant from behind as

Appellant was purportedly exiting Conley’s apartment, but Conley gave

conflicting evidence testifying that she never saw Thackston grab Appellant just

seconds before the shooting. Determining the credibility of this testimony was

the jury’s duty.
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 33

{¶71} Aside from the testimony of Blevins and Conley, it is undisputed that

Appellant had an ongoing dispute regarding money that Thackston owed

Appellant. Appellant had threatened Thackston regarding this debt. Appellant

had apparently acquired a gun the night before the murder, and Appellant shot

Thackston in the abdomen at point-blank range. This evidence could infer that

Appellant planned to kill Thackston prior to the shooting.

{¶72} Accordingly, after reviewing the entire record, we do not find the jury

clearly lost its way in not finding that Appellant acted in self-defense so as to

create such a manifest miscarriage of justice that his convictions must be

reversed. Therefore, we overrule Appellant’s eighth assignment of error.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR IX

{¶73} In his ninth assignment of error, Appellant asserts that cumulative

errors during his trial deprived him of a fair trial and requires a reversal of his

convictions. We overruled all of Appellant’s assignments of error, except for

assignment number seven, which requires remand under R.C. 2929.191.

Therefore, we overrule Appellant’s ninth assignment of error.

CONCLUSION

{¶74} We overrule all of Appellant’s assignments of error, except for his

seventh assignment of error in which we find that the trial court did not properly

notify him of post-release control. Therefore, we affirm Appellant’s convictions,

but remand this matter to the trial court for the limited purpose of notifying

Appellant of post-release control consistent with R.C. 2929.191.
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 34

JUDGEMENT AFFIRMED IN PART AND REVERSED IN PART, AND

CAUSE REMANDED.
Scioto App. No. 19CA3882 35

JUDGMENT ENTRY

It is ordered that the JUDGMENT BE AFFIRMED and costs be assessed
to Appellant.

The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.

It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the
Scioto County Common Pleas Court to carry this judgment into execution.

IF A STAY OF EXECUTION OF SENTENCE AND RELEASE UPON BAIL
HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY GRANTED BY THE TRIAL COURT OR THIS
COURT, it is temporarily continued for a period not to exceed sixty days upon the
bail previously posted. The purpose of a continued stay is to allow Appellant to
file with the Supreme Court of Ohio an application for a stay during the pendency
of proceedings in that court. If a stay is continued by this entry, it will terminate at
the earlier of the expiration of the sixty-day period, or the failure of the Appellant
to file a notice of appeal with the Supreme Court of Ohio in the forty-five-day
appeal period pursuant to Rule II, Sec. 2 of the Rules of Practice of the Supreme
Court of Ohio. Additionally, if the Supreme Court of Ohio dismisses the appeal
prior to expiration of sixty days, the stay will terminate as of the date of such
dismissal.

A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule
27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.

P.J., Smith and J., Hess: Concur in Judgment and Opinion.

For the Court,

BY: ______________________________
Kristy S. Wilkin, Judge

NOTICE TO COUNSEL
Pursuant to Local Rule No. 14, this document constitutes a final
judgment entry and the time period for further appeal commences from the
date of filing with the clerk.